NORTHERN OCEAN COUNTY BRANCH Volume XL Number 5 May-June2012

BREAKING THROUGH BARRIERS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS

AAUW Mission Statement AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Spring is a time of Enlightenment…. “Wish It, Dream It, Do It”…. Eleanor Roosevelt once said “Life was meant to be lived and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason turn her back on life….. “ AAUW-NOCB let us continue to be supportive and active in our activities and events…. Consider an Interest Group…… The Inter-branch Meeting was great this year. The play “Vanities” was well-versed and memora-ble for a shared branch program. $tart $mart was marked and imperative for the students of our AAUW partner university at Georgian Court. They surely will find their newly learned skills marketa-ble in their careers. AAUW-NJ Annual Meeting was inspirational and many state and national po-jects were reviewed…. Congratulations to the high school recipient of our Essay Award. Philanthropy was quite evident. Thank You to the members who assisted in the review of the essays. The members at our NOCB Annual Business Meeting approved our budget and elected two officers…. Congratulations to both Judith Hromoko our Secretary and Maureen Aptowicz our new Treasurer… We remembered Equity Pay Day with Granola Bars wrapped in national flyers. AAUW is working for the day when equal pay for equal work is no longer an issue for women and their families. Women earn 77% of what men are paid in most professions…“Teen Tech” (Connecting Girls and Technology) will be in May. We are sending one of our members, a former branch president, Dr. Arlene Roncin and her niece Car-ley, to attend the workshop. Our Spring fundraiser of Flower Power was a success. The Power of Flowers has spread through our NOCB. Thank you to our members and our chair Maureen Mitchell. As a special pro-gram and fundraiser this year we welcomed “Unshredded Nostalgia” antique appraisals. Thank you Marlene Pigut who was instrumental in bringing this showcase to our branch. Members and guests showed treasures that were evaluated and will be sure to accommodate the ‘Big Bucks’ in the open market. It was a very informative evening… Remember our fundraisers and member donations to benefit our Scholarship and Essay Awards… A Look Ahead…. Special Focus May/June…. May 15, 2012 will be a regular meeting followed by “Hidden New Jersey; Lots of Fun Facts”. Experience and explore our great little state. This will be an opportunity to bring a prospective guest for NOCB Membership… June 19, 2012 will be our annual Deck Dinner at the Home of Barbara Tuzio…. Great Expectations…… Thank You Members and Board of Directors. We had an incredible year………. We accomplished so very much…………. Patricia

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IMPORTANT—PLEASE CONTRIBUTE We will collect personal items for “Redeem Her”. This group provides successful transitions for women recently incarcerated so they can become valued and contributing members of society….Please be supportive and bring such items as: shampoo, conditioner, lotions, toothpaste, brushes…to meetings or my house throughout the Spring. We will continue to collect items for the “Good Health/Physical Fitness Basket” that we will raffle. Proceeds will fund sending out newest branch member, Shinade Ramirez from Georgian Court University, to NCCWSL (The National Conference for College Women Student Leaders). As a member of our branch she assisted with our Community Service Project at GCU and in reviewing essays for Sisters Academy Essay Award. Pat

AAUW-NOCB DONATIONS—SPRING 2012

OUR MAY PROGRAM—”Celebrate New Jersey” Come hear Linda Barth speak on “Hidden New Jersey: Fun Facts”

Invitees: Members, Prospective members, Guests. Refreshments served. Date: Tuesday May 15 Time: Business meeting 6:30 pm, Fun facts about NJ at 7:00 pm Place: The Chelsea 458 Jack Martin Blvd., Brick See You There!

OUR JUNE PROGRAM—*ANNUAL DECK DINNER* When: Tuesday June 19 6:30pm Where: Barbara Tuzio’s home at 1821 Boat Point Drive, Pt. Pleasant What: Annual Deck Dinner and Installation of New Officers

Sign up at the May meeting or call Barbara at 732-899-3267.

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2012-2013 AAUW-NOCB MEMBERSHIP DUES REGULAR: $69 (National=$49; State=$10; Branch=$10) LIFE MEMBER: $20 (State and Branch Dues) STUDENT: $22 (National=$17; Branch $5) PLEASE PRINT LEGIBLY. THANK YOU. NAME: _______________________________________ CIRCLE MEMBER TYPE: Regular Life Student Honorary Life CURRENT MEMBER_____ Enter information below to be updated in the 2012-2013 AAUW-NOCB DIRECTORY. Check here if your 2011-2012 Directory information is correct._______ NEW MEMBER_______ Enter all your information to be included in the 2012-2013 Directory ADDRESS______________________________________ CITY________________________________ STATE_______ ZIP______________ PHONE FOR DIRECTORY________________________________ EMAIL__________________________________________________ COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY___________________________ STATE______ DEGREE______ ANY ADDITIONAL DEGREES______________________________________________ PROFESSION_____________________________ INTERESTS_________________________ DUES AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $__________ Mail your completed membership form and check made payable to AAUW-NOCB to:

Patricia Baroska, 2 Wisteria Place, Howell, NJ 07731 NOTE: $46 of Regular dues is tax deductible for payments made to AAUW, our 501(c) (3) charitable organization. $3 of Regular dues is not tax deductible as it goes to support the AAUW Lobby Corps and election-related activities.

Send Membership Dues by June 1

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Our AAUW-NOCB Book Discussion Group meets at "Atlanta Bread Company", Brick on one Thursday each month at 3:30 p.m. All members are welcome! Date and Selection for May: May 17— “People of the Book” by Geraldine Brooks Our group meets at area restaurants during the Summer for Lunch at 1:00. Dates and Selections for June, July and August: June 21 —Read a biography of an innovator… Someone who had a great idea and made a difference...Lunch at Black Trum-pet in Spring Lake. July 12—Read any book… Perhaps “A Beach Read” or that book that has been on your “To read list” for a long time. Lunch at the Shrimp Box in Pt. Pleasant Beach. August 9—Read any book by James Patterson. Lunch at Wharf Side in Pt. Pleasant Beach. Contact: Lenora Donatiello 732-458-4317 or Pat Baroska at 732-267-3127, ShoreBeachGirl@hotmail.com

Literature: Books at Perks

Jersey Shore Theater Group Our group met in Manasquan at the “Squan Tavern” on April 22… The food and company were good… Algonquin Players did a fine job with “The Music Man” production. The musical tunes were upbeat and invigorating. Rain, rain, rain did not put a damp-er on our outing… An enjoyable time was had by all who attend-ed. Please consider joining our next excursion in the Fall. Interested members contact:

Patricia Baroska ShoreBeachGirl@hotmail.com 732-267-3127

Friday Night Gourmet Group #10 A DIFFERENT TWIST

Must respond ASAP. Date is Friday, May 4th at 6pm. Theme: New Orleans Cajun, Creole Restaurant: Trinity and the Pope, 649 Mattison Ave., Asbury Park Chef Estelle will visit tableside and converse Cost: $20 payable that evening about his gourmet fare of the evening includes soup or salad, appetizer, entrée, dessert, coffee/tea

Advance reservation required. Open to members, spouses, companions. Contact: Pat Baroska ShoreBeachGirl@hotmail.com h. 732-458-5906 c.732-267-3127

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Cozy Quilters Even though it didn’t seem like winter, the Cozy Quilters were deep in layers of warm fabric and batting. A quilt warms the body as well as the soul. Our small winter group continued to meet at Marie Hagemann’s, Maria Sendzik’s, Barbara Tuzio’s and Barbara Corbin’s homes. Norine Murdock joined us as well. We are still missing our “Snowbirds” but Spring has sprung Judith Hromoko from St. Thomas and rumor has it that Irene Ribaudo will soon be back. Delicious desserts were shared (check out the Cannoli cake below) and of course, lots of quilting. Barbara T. is still hand quilting her Asian design. Marie finished her Wonky quilt and has sent it off to the quilter. She started a felted wool Bunny mat that will probably not be done till next Easter. Barbara C. had some machine trouble, but Maria did her machine magic and soon Barbara was “stitching in the ditch” again with a loan of Marie’s machine quilting foot. Maria finished another quilt sample made from one fabric. She will be teaching it at Mousecreek Quilts in Howell. She also is working on bindings. The last step to quilt completion! We are all looking forward to new spring floral projects and new techniques. We love to keep our-selves “in stitches.” Come join us!

Maria

“Wonderful I” by Maria Senzik

Marie Hagemann creating this“Flights of Fancy” wonky quilt.

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MAY 2012

4th Friday night Gourmet Group 10th Cozy Quilters, Judith Hromoko’s home, 2pm 13th Happy Mother’s Day 15th Branch Meeting 6:30, “Celebrate New Jersey” 17th Books at Perks, 3:30 24th Cozy Quilters, Maria Sendzik’s home, 2pm

28th Memorial Day

July 4th Independence Day July 12th Books at Perks, 3:30 Aug 9th Books at Perks, 3:30 Sept 3rd Labor Day

Movie Maniacs will resume in September

JUNE 2012 7th Cozy Quilters, home TBA, 2pm 17th Father’s Day 18th Books at Perks, 3:30 19th Annual Deck Dinner and Installation of Officers at Barbara Tuzio’s 20th Summer Begins 21st Books at Perks, 3:30 TBA Cozy Quilters, home TBA, 2pm

IMPORTANT DATES

Cut and hang on your refrigerator

ADVANCE CALENDAR—2012

Note: DUES ARE DUENote: DUES ARE DUENote: DUES ARE DUE

This year our branch contributed $500 to the AAUW Eleanor Roosevelt Fund which supports research to provide analysis, data, and accurate information about issues that are important to women and girls. We also contributed $245 to the AAUW LAF (Legal Advocacy Fund). . Barbara Tuzio

AAUW FUNDS

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Conference on HUMAN RIGHTS at Kean U. Creating opportunity through education is most important in empowering women in the developing world to combat oppression… The conference on March 9 at the Human Rights Institute was very informative… The first speaker was Sheryl WuDunn who wrote the book “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide”. She talked about her life in Africa and how the power of education allowed her and others to convert their dreams into reality… Dr. Trent was Oprah Winfrey’s “all time favorite guest”… An inspirational day for some of our AAUW-NOCB members... Lisa Beck and Patricia Baros-

ESSAY AWARD Ashley Salas, a High School Senior, promoted human welfare in her Community Service endeav-ors. She wrote an essay on her efforts through the Key Club with the “Jump Start Program”. This program prepares young students for the next grade level in the Summer. Also, she was part of a project called “Caring Tree”. Items were collected to meet the needs of special students, which supports them in a therapeutic and nurturing environment. Ashley also volunteers at Ocean Medical Center in the pharmacy. Congratulations Ashley as the winner of a $200.00 Barnes & Noble Gift Card sponsored by our NOCB-AAUW. Patricia

PUBLIC POLICY AAUW advocates economic self-sufficiency for all women. To achieve this AAUW advocates the following: 1- Pay equity and fairness in compensation for all women. 2- Equitable access and advancement in employment, including vigorous enforcement of employment antidiscrimination statutes. 3- Greater availability of and access to a high standard of benefits and policies that promote work-life balance. 4- Programs that provide women with education, training, and support in the workforce, including non-traditional occupations and women’s entrepreneurship. 5- Strengthening retirement benefits and programs, including pension improvements and protecting Social Security from privatization. Marlene Snedaker

ANNOUNCEMENT

AAUW-NOCB is now accepting limited participation from non-degreed “Friends of AAUW-NOCB”. A “Friend” will give a tax-deductible $25 donation to EF which will allow limited participation in our Interest Groups.

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AAUW-NJ ANNUAL MEETING Maureen Aptowicz, Pat Baroska, Marlene Snedaker, and Barbara Tuzio attended the state meeting April 14, 2012 at Forsgate Country Club, Monroe Twp. As usual, the day was exciting, inspiring, informative and fun. Following the welcome by AAUW-NJ President Sally Goodson, Charmen Goehring-Fox, member AAUW National Board of Directors and President of the Portland Maine Branch, presented an informative overview of AAUW today. Some of the highlights include the following: 1. AAUW is recognized for its fiscal responsibility. 2. Membership is increasing. It’s up by 1000 and members-at-large by 2,600. Student

membership has increased by 67% and the College/University Connection by 34%. 3. “It’s My Vote—I will be heard” is a program in the AAUW Action Fund which is making a

special effort to target women ages 18-31. 4. “The Voices” project is new. It is about training in writing editorials, op-eds, and media first-

responders. 5. AAUW continues with its online presence in its website, blogs, facebook, You Tube, etc. Other speakers included Marian Wattenbarger for the “Running & Winning LWV” project; Patricia Kurz of Girl Scouts of S.Jersey for “Robotics for Young Girls”, and Wendy Murphy and Dr. Mary Anne Anderl for the “National Women’s History Museum” project. After lunch Sylvia M. Montero, author of “Make It Your Business-Dare to Climb the Ladder of Leadership”, related her life story from poverty in Puerto Rico to success in becoming CEO of Hu-man Resources at Pfizer Inc. She credited her parents for encouraging her education. Her advice for beating the odds is resilience, tenacity, and optimism. Doris Stewart presented the Woman as Agents of Change Award to NJ Senator Loretta Weinberg. Accepting the award on her behalf was NJ Senator Linda Greenstein. New and continuing officers were installed by Ginny Lyttle. AAUW-NJ officers are: Sally Goodson—President Carol Cohen-Vice President Program Jane Niemeyer-Secretary Karen Brown-Treasurer Mary Switzer and Doris Stewart-Southern District Co-coordinators Michele Gutenberg-Communications VP Jessica Pierson and Ginny Lyttle-AAUW Funds Diane Crawford-Membership VP Susan Gelber and Penny North-Central District Co-coordinators The meeting ended with the basket raffle to benefit AAUW Funds. None of us won the basket but we all came home winners because we belong to AAUW. Barbara Tuzio

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LAF (LEGAL ADVOCACY FUND)

View an Award-Winning Film about LAF-Supported Plaintiffs

The widespread problem of sexual assault in the military is the subject of the powerful documen-tary The Invisible War, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January and earned the Audience Award. The documentary features several of the plaintiffs from the LAF-supported lawsuits Cioca v. Rumsfeld and Klay v. Panetta.

The film will have a limited release in 20 major cities nationwide on June 15, 2012. Please save the date, and plan to attend if you’re in one of the cities — a list of which will be provided in the May issue of LAF Express and sent to you. Audience attendance will determine the size and reach of the movie’s wider release, and we want as many people as possible to see this power-ful film. It explains the problem, shows the bravery of our LAF plaintiffs, and provides action items for us all to undertake to ensure permanent changes in the military.

Gay Bashing No Longer Tolerated in Minnesota School District The Anoka-Hennepin School District, the largest in Minnesota, had an alarming policy that instructed teachers to “remain neutral” about sexual orientation. As a result, the sexual harass-ment of students based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation was tolerated. Students and the federal government sued the school district under Title IX of the Education Amend-ments of 1972, and in March the school district settled with them. The settlement requires the school district to make significant changes to its policies. Additionally, while the district had a Title IX coordinator, that person only enforced Title IX as it applied to athletics. Going forward, the Title IX coordinator also will be responsible for monitoring instances of sexual harassment. While AAUW did not directly support this case through the Legal Advocacy Fund, it was important, and AAUW hopes that the school district’s new framework will serve as a model for schools to follow so that all students feel safe and welcome.

Standing with the Women of Wal-Mart

Through our Legal Advocacy Fund, AAUW brought the lead plaintiffs in Wal-Mart v. Dukes to Washington, D.C., for their hearing at the U.S. Supreme Court on March 29 and signed an amicus brief supporting their plea to argue their gender discrimination case as a class. AAUW also co-hosted a reception in their honor, attended the oral arguments, and co-led a rally outside the court. Joanne Pisapia LAF Chair

Note: DUES ARE DUENote: DUES ARE DUENote: DUES ARE DUE

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A big Thank You to all for your wishes for my speedy recovery after my double knee surgery…. Am home and going to out-patient therapy 3 days a week. Sue Haas

Laura Tuzio Ross is continuing chemotherapy treatments

and is doing as well as can be expected. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers.

Best wishes to Pammi on moving to her new condo. Our condolences go to Beth Kimber on the loss of her

mother Sue.

PERSONAL NOTES

SUGGESTION

AAUW-NOCB members call or email a Board member with an idea for a program or event next year...Let us continue to make our Branch vibrant and support our mission...

Our Flower Power Campaign ended on April 27, 2012. This year's fundraiser was another success! Thanks to members, family and friends we were successful in raising $433 with online orders and another $85 in orders submitted to Flower Power. Additionally, Helaine Donovan, Marlene Snedaker, Diane Becza, and Pam Coratti made donations totaling $130 for a grand total of $648 going to the Scholar-ship Fund!!!! Many, many thanks, especially to Alice Tarlach with the highest amount of orders placed. But let's not stop there--any member who wishes to make a donation may do so by submitting your check to AAUW-NOCB and sending to either me or Pat Baroska. By now you should have received your order (and hopefully planted in your garden). Thank you again and enjoy your blooms!

Maureen K. Mitchell

Fundraising Chair

FLOWER POWER FUNDRAISER FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

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BRANCH SCHOLARSHIPS Kathleen Barra Memorial Scholarship ($1000 )

Academic Scholarship ($1000)

The annual search for worthy recipients has begun. If you know of an interested woman who might qualify for either scholarship, please contact the branch for further information: at AAUW-NOCB@hotmail.com and put “scholarship” in the subject area. Include your name, ad-dress, email, and telephone number. The requirements will be mailed to: AAUW-NOCB, PO Box 608, Manasquan, NJ 08736. Applications must be completed and returned by May 5.

Please support our fundraisers to enable us to raise this money!

The Kathleen Barra Memorial Scholarship ($1000)

This scholarship is awarded in memory of one of our past members.

Qualifications: Female relative or a friend of a current member of AAUW-NJ High school senior class of 2012 Enrolled full time in college in the school year 2012-2013 Major in business-related program (e.g. business, marketing, economics, ....)

The Re-entry Academic Scholarship ($1000)

Qualifications: Adult female reentering college 25 years of age or above Resident of Ocean County Continuing undergraduate education Completed at least 30 college credits toward a Bachelor’s Degree Will be enrolled in school year 2012-2013

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Advertise in Pleasant Tidings! To have your business card appear in Pleasant Tid-ings, please forward your check for $15.00 to Marie Sweeney, 204 Riverside Drive N, Brick, 08724. Your business card should be sent to Alice Tarlach at 33 Patmore Rd, Brick, 08724, or sent via email to

Certified Public Accountant

MARLENE P. SNEDAKER

1808 Riviera Parkway Fax (732) 892-2759 Pt. Pleasant, NJ 08742-5243 E-mail:msneda@verizon.net

Telephone: (732) 899-8357

Certified Public Accountant

ADVERTISEMENTS

Learning Bridge is fun! - discounted for AAUW members -

Our facebook and email Have you seen our new Facebook site?

Friend us at: AAUW - Northern Ocean County Branch, NJ Look for upcoming events, copies of newsletters, your postings...

and Our new email address

AAUW-NOCB@hotmail.com

Note: DUES ARE DUENote: DUES ARE DUENote: DUES ARE DUE DID YOU?DID YOU?DID YOU?

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Maureen Aptowicz-Treasurer Cathy Paredes Patricia Baroska—President Marlene Pigut Lenora Donatiello Joanne Pisapia Judith Hromoko—Secretary Maria Sendzik Maureen Mitchell Barbara Tuzio AAUW NOCB Official Board of Directors: Agree to be responsible for branch organization and activity and will meet three times during the fiscal year: Summer, Fall and Spring. AAUW Chairs: Agree to attend at least one of the Official Board Meetings during the fiscal year. AAUW members are welcome to attend Board Meetings.

Barbara Tuzio 1821 Boat Point Drive Point Pleasant, NJ 08742

Save our branch some money by receiving your newsletter via email. Please notify Alice at alicetarlach@comcast.net.

AAUW MOTTO By joining AAUW, you belong to a community that breaks through educa-tional and economic barriers so that all women have a fair chance. ABOUT AAUW American Association of University Women (AAUW) is a nationwide network of more than 100,000 members and donors, 1000 branches, and 500 college/ Institution partners. For 130 years, AAUW members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day— educational, social, economical, and political. Our commitment to our mission is reflected in all aspects of our work. DIVERSITY STATEMENT In principle and practice AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. There shall be no barriers to full participation in the organization on the basis of gender, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability.

AAUW NOCB Official Board of Directors 2011-2012